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The oldest racetrack in America, Saratoga is celebrating its 150th birthday with almost seven week of fun this summer. Photo: Saratoga Race Track/Adam Coglianese

Just a month after the horrific Battle of Gettysburg, a four-day horse racing meet was held in Saratoga Springs, NY.

That was 1863, and 150 years later, America’s oldest racetrack - and by many estimates its oldest sporting venue of any kind - is better than ever, and the four-day meet has expanded to more than six weeks of great fun. You should visit this summer - I will.

I’ve written in this column extensively about the Kentucky Derby and why I think it is such a great event, a true bucket-list experience, worth a visit even for folks who care nothing about horse racing, with all the pomp and circumstance and tradition, plus food and cocktails under sunny skies. The Saratoga Race Course offers a taste of that classic equestrian experience six days a week (dark Tuesday) for 46 days! Sure, it is a toned down version of the Derby flair, but with a capacity of over 70,000 and a compressed summer season, you get a crowd that is ready to celebrate every day, many of whom can make just a single gala trip to track each season, with the same fancy hats and dresses and suits as the Derby, especially on weekends, opening and closing days, and for big races like the Travers Stakes (August 24), Saratoga’s marquee event and the nation’s oldest major 3-year old thoroughbred race, now in its 144th year. It’s one long party, and one reason why the historic track was named one of the World’s “Top 10 Sports Venues of the 20th century” by Sports Illustrated magazine.

Kentucky Derby? Nope just some of the many enthusiastic fans who attend the summer race meet at Saratoga each year. Photo: Saratoga Race Track/Adam Coglianese

I’ve been to the rack in summer, suit and tie and all, and it is a blast, a step back in time, a scene that will delight both horse racing fans and anyone who enjoys a good time. The atmosphere was aptly described by legendary sports writer Red Smith, who wrote: “From New York City drive north for about 175 miles, turn left on Union Avenue, then go back 100 years in time.” Unlike the Kentucky Derby, you can go general admission to Saratoga without feeling like you are at Spring Break. It’s also a bargain, with grandstand tickets costing all of three dollars, clubhouse tickets five, and on Travers Day they raise the price all the way to ten bucks. Reserved and box seats are generally for season pass holders and horse owners, but for both unused seats are sold the same day (click here for ticket info). Saratoga has a long tradition of honoring first come first served seating, and if you leave something on your seat, it is yours for the day. Many fans bring coolers, and despite the fancy dress some patrons choose, it has a feel-good tailgate party aesthetic. Similarly, the track opens at 7 for the morning workouts, and many fans come at this time, grab an outdoor picnic table, put something on it, then leave and come back when the track reopens for race day to find their reserved table, making a picnic of it. I love that this genteel tradition has stood the test of time and remains honored.

Saratoga Springs is also a charming town, and a great place to find yourself once the hoopla of race day comes to an end, its main street lined with unique shops and restaurants. It first became famous as health retreat and spa due to the quality of its mineral springs, and these baths are still open to the public. It is also home to the famed SPAC, Saratoga Center for the Performing Arts. There is excellent public golf and many chances to buy fresh cooked kettle chips, the town’s most famous snack - the potato chip was invented right here in Saratoga Springs.

The 150th season will run from Friday, July 19 to Monday, September 2, Labor Day and all throughout will be special events commemorating the 150th birthday for the track. Here are a few highlights:

Opening Day at Saratoga: Friday, July 19 The 150th anniversary season will kick-off when gates open at 11AM. with post-time at 1PM.

Hats Off To Saratoga: Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21 This three-day festival celebrates opening weekend with live music downtown and at the track, and “millinery mayhem” to mark the start of the racing season.

150th Anniversary of Racing At Saratoga: Saturday, August 3 The 2013 meet will come to a climax with the track’s official birthday and the running of the Whitney Handicap.